INTRODUCTION
Moving abroad can be extremely exciting, regardless of the reason. Whether it be for your job, family, or even just because you want to, one thing remains the same – you will have to plan the trip very thoroughly. However, this planning becomes much more complicated when you have pets. Not only do you have to worry about your own documents, clothes, furniture, etc., but you also have to do the same for your pet!
Both you and your pet deserve to have the best and smoothest journey possible so, we made this blog. We list out all the things you will require to make this possible so let’s get started!
PLANNING AHEAD
Planning ahead is an extremely important part of moving abroad. This will reduce the risk of something going wrong and you will be prepared for the unexpected. You might not be prepared for every situation but you will be prepared for most of them.
Pet Regulations
The country you have been to has been confirmed and you can start planning. The first thing to do is to thoroughly research the country’s pet regulations. You will need to make sure that the country allows pet travel and what are the requirements for this to take place.
Vaccinations and Quarantine Requirements
Every country has a different set of vaccinations and quarantine requirements that your pet needs to follow for them to be allowed to reside there. Make sure that your pet is up-to-date on all those vaccinations. You will also have to make the necessary arrangements for your pet to spend their quarantine period in a safe and healthy environment so book a slot prior to leaving.
This is why we recommend that you visit the vet before going so you will be able to procure proof of vaccinations and health certificates.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRANSPORT METHOD
When it comes to travelling with your pet, the method of transport is a very important decision to make. You can either have them taken by air or by car. You can also take them by train or by bus but the circumstances are similar to travelling by plane. So, let’s take a look at both these options and their pros and cons.
By Air:
Flying is a fairly stressful form of travel, especially if you aren’t familiar with them. The only pro that comes with flying is that your pet will reach your destination a lot faster.
However, there are many cons to this. Travelling with a pet by air will cost you a decent amount of money. If your pet is of a large breed, it will have to be put in storage with the other cargo which is an extremely unpleasant experience for your pet. If your pet is not familiar with flights, the experience of going in one for the first time can be quite daunting.
Unless it is an emergency, we usually don’t recommend flying with your pet.
By Car:
While there are still some cons, there are significantly more pros to this method compared to travelling by air.
Travelling in a car will give your pet more space to move around in. In case your pet is not feeling all too well, then you can stop the car and take it out for a short break. Overall, travelling in a car is a lot less stressful than it is in a plane. Finally, you can keep your pet with you at all times, regardless of size!
However, the journey will be a lot longer compared to flying so your pet can become restless. Sometimes pets can even get car sick. This is why we recommend choosing stops where you can book a stay at a pet-friendly hotel so you can let your pet recover.
The most important thing is your pets’ safety and comfort. Choose the method of travel based on how comfortable they are with it!
PREPARING YOUR PET FOR THE JOURNEY
There are three very important things you need to do to prepare your pet for travelling:
- Make sure that they have one last vet check-up before you leave to make sure that they are okay. This will also help you stock up on any medications you might need for your pet in case they get sick.
- Keep up-to-date on all the vaccinations and any necessary health certificates you might need. Once again, go through the requirements of the country you are moving to and make sure that you have the documents you need to show proof of in your hand.
- In the case that you are using a travel carrier, you should slowly train your pet to become more familiar with it and hence more comfortable. Start by taking them on small journeys in a carrier. Learn how they behave and how you can ease them in case they become too anxious. Some pets might even get motion sickness so it would be best to have medication for it on hand.
These small things will allow your pet to travel more comfortably and will also ease your mind.
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS/PACKING FOR THE JOURNEY
It is easy to lose track of all the things you will need for the journey so here is a small set of tips for it:
- List all the documents you will need for your pet while they travel.
- Be careful to ensure that all the documents are up-to-date and are accurate.
- Microchip your pet and keep all their identification on hand. This will make sure that even if they were to get lost, they could be found again very easily.
- Make another list of all your pet’s items that should be packed and another list of what you will need to carry in your hand.
- Don’t forget food, water, medication, toys, and items that can help soothe your pet.
- The most important thing to remember is that your pet will be comforted if they are surrounded by things that they are familiar with.
THE D-DAY
The day has finally arrived for you to move and things can get very hectic very quickly. So, let’s go through some things you should keep in mind.
- Travel is stressful for both you and your pet. Seeing you panic will not help your pet so we recommend remaining calm. Learn some small tricks to manage your travel day stress so that it does not affect your pet.
- Have some strategies to calm your pet down in a quick manner. This could include allowing them to play with their favourite toy, spraying on some pheromone perfume, or even giving them some treats.
- In case you are travelling by air or by train, make sure to arrive early. This will help you arrange everything quickly before your plane/train rush starts. It will also give you the chance to soothe your pet before the journey begins.
- The most important thing is to keep your wits about you and to be present. You should be able to think on your feet since it is possible for anything to happen and you should be prepared for it.
ARRIVAL, QUARANTINE AND SETTLING DOWN
Now that you have finally arrived in the country of your new home, you might think that you can relax. That is not true.
- First things first, do some research beforehand regarding how arrival procedures work when you arrive in the country.
- Next, you would have previously done some research regarding the quarantine requirements of the country you are now in. Make sure that your pet will comply with them. You can do this by booking them into a quarantine boarding house.
- Once your pet is out of quarantine, you will need to make sure that they are able to adapt quickly to their new home! It is very important that they have a space they are familiar with so we suggest setting up a corner in your house that is reminiscent of their old home.
- Last, but not least, look around the area and make note of all the local pet services and what resources you can take advantage of for your pet.
CONCLUSION
With this, we have come to an end to this blog on how to travel internationally with your pet. If you want to make this journey even smoother, you can contact a pet transport Auckland agency, like Airport Pets, as they will take care of everything for you. Want to know more about travelling with pets? Visit our site today! You can also request a quote for our services to have a realistic idea of how much it would cost. Contact us if you have any questions!